JUKO Laboratories, the listed manufacturer of computer components, last night published a legal notice apparently explaining its 19.1 per cent share price increase on Thursday. The company said it had been ''exploring means of raising working funds as additional working capital but has not made any decision in this connection.'' The company was the day's best performer, rising from 44.5 cents to 53 cents on turnover of $9.1 million. Rumours that the company may be about to have a mainland partner were circulating on Thursday. However, the company's statement does not indicate whether it is interested in a placement, which could be a way of introducing a mainland partner, or some other mechanism. The company attempted a placement with Tomei International (Holdings) in May last year but this was aborted after Juko directors apparently decided they did not want Tomei directors to join their board. The placement would have raised $58.4 million which the company would have used to finance its operations in Huizhou. Working capital has since been boosted by the sale of property made surplus by its move to China. Listed in 1990, directors have repeatedly blamed world economic conditions for the company's poor performance. The shares were listed at $1.33.
